Observations on the Diseases Incident to Seamen (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1799 edition. Excerpt: ...in harbour. When caip'tures are made, in which there are such articles as sugar, wine, rice, or fruits, it would be much better in many' cases to allow the immediate use of them at sea, where the naen may be disposed to scurvy or other diseases; than to wait for the converfion of them into' money. Though it has been my object to introduce as many articles of diet as POffiblC, in timcs its quantity of water. When Wine is supplied, the daily allowance of it to a man is one pint. Other exchanges are usual on foreign voyages, such as three pounds of Hour and half a pound of raisins, or halfa' pound of currants, or half a pound of beef suet pickled, v in lieu of a four pound piece of beef, or a two pound piece of pork, with pease. Half a pound of rice is allowed for a' pint of oatmeaL ' dependent r dependent of salt provifions, it does not fola low that these are in themselves unwholesome. They are pernicious by being made almost the sole and exclusive article; but if used in moderate quantity, they are even in some' respects well adapted for the food of seamen. The nature of their life gives them a strong digestion: in their duties they not only employ violent exercise, but use more 'muscles and a greater variety of postures and motions than men os any other profession. To such constitutions may not food of a refractory nature and hard os digestion, have even an advantage over what is more delicate and digestible P It does not appear thatit is the salt quality alone of the provisions used at sea that makes them productive of scurvy, but also the want of their native juices and of the nutritious principle. A small quantity-'of loathed, but the want of it renders the animal weak and flabby. As it not only assists digestion, but invigorates all..